LNP sidesteps questions on plummeting popularity

THE LNP has sidestepped questions about its plummeting popularity, after an article in yesterday's Gympie Times.

The party's state director Brad Henderson did not deny Palmer United Party and ALP polling showing it is on the nose among voters, to the point where Gympie may no longer be a safe LNP seat.

PUP Queensland parliamentary leader Alex Douglas said his party's latest opinion survey indicated the Campbell Newman Government would be swept from office in an election held now.

A majority of those polled said they would vote against Mr Newman and the LNP, even in the Premier's own Ashgrove electorate.

Mr Henderson also did not engage with claims by Dr Douglas that planned government asset sales were financially irrational.

Dr Douglas said some of the assets earmarked for sale to private enterprise were returning 9% a year.

Mr Henderson issued a three paragraph statement saying: "The LNP never takes any vote for granted.

"Regional Queensland is a priority of the LNP Government led by Premier Campbell Newman, which is delivering on its pledge to grow a four-pillar economy and improve frontline services including health and law and order.

"At the next election, voters will have a choice between an LNP Government with a clear plan for a bright future or the chaos, waste and mismanagement of Labor and the minor parties."

Dr Douglas said PUP polls showed the LNP was beyond salvation in all northern sugar seats and up to Cape York and would lose Toowoomba North and South.

"We believe Gympie is in play at the next election," Dr Douglas said, "and we feel it is for reasons unconnected to David Gibson."

He said Gympie Region's other MP, Jeff Seeney was also unpopular state-wide, but possibly not so much in his Callide electorate, which includes Goomeri and Kilkivan.